ANN ARBOR—Communications strategist Elizabeth LaPorte has joined Michigan Sea Grant (MSG) as communications coordinator, based at the University of Michigan.

“I am excited to be a part of Michigan Sea Grant,” says LaPorte. “MSG has a great history of Great Lakes education, outreach and research. I grew up in the Bay City area and have always had an interest in preserving and protecting the Great Lakes.”

LaPorte will lead the MSG communications team in Ann Arbor, which includes Dave Brenner, Joyce Daniels and Minti Henderson. “This is an excellent communications team that has produced wonderful publications, including the Upwellings newsletter. MSG has a great Web site and many publications with informative material about the Great Lakes,” says LaPorte

“I look forward to meeting MSG extension agents who are instrumental in assisting communities with vital issues related to the Great Lakes.” MSG extension agents provide information from many Michigan communities to help MSG outreach and education efforts.

LaPorte formerly managed consulting operations for Argus Associates in Ann Arbor. She was creative director for the U-M Kellogg Eye Center and has more than 20 years of experience in designing and managing publications. She has a bachelor’s degree in design from the U-M and a master’s degree in design from Eastern Michigan University.

MSG strategic initiatives include the control of aquatic nuisance species, understanding the impact of coastal development, protecting coastal wetlands, promoting Great Lakes education, and providing research-based information. Visit the Michigan Sea Grant Web site at http://www.miseagrant.org for additional information. Also see information about recently awarded grants to support six new Great Lakes research projects at http://www.umich.edu/~newsinfo/Releases/2001/Mar01/r032701c.html.

MSG is a joint program with the U-M and Michigan State University and is part of a national network of 30 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program.

For more information, contact Michigan Sea Grant College Program, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2099,

Michigan Sea GrantKellogg Eye Centerhttp://www.umich.edu/~newsinfo/Releases/2001/Mar01/r032701c.html